Ornamental Stone Sector maintains export growth trend

According to data for July 2021, the sector maintains the growth trend in ornamental stones exports.

The monthly accumulated values ​​point to a growth in turnover of 17.9% (to around EUR 256M) and 22.06% in exported volume (values ​​above 1300 thousand tons). The trend of recovery in the average price per ton is also maintained, with values, still negative when compared to the same period of last year, but which are currently around -4%.

In terms of turnover, intra and extra European Union markets are substantially balanced and the destinations EFTA (European Free Trade Association), OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) and PALOP (Portuguese-speaking African Countries) all show a trend of recovery, compared to what happened during the first months of 2021.

The first five markets are China, France, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom, which together globalize around EUR 159 M, a total of 62% of the global market.

In terms of turnover growth, India leads with more than 191% (around EUR 3.3M and 10 thousand tons), followed by Cape Verde with 74% (EUR 774 thousand and 3 thousand tons) and Algeria with 72 % (EUR 827 thousand and 3 thousand tons).

In the top 10 of exports there is a general increase in the price per ton practiced, led by the Swedish and Belgian markets, with growth of 16.8% and 14.2%, respectively. Germany is also highlighted with growth above 10%, followed by Saudi Arabia, with almost 7%, China and the United States of America with more than 4%, closing with the Netherlands with almost 1.5%. France and Spain are the exception in the top 10, with price decreases exceeding 10%.